Today’s Devotional: “The Mind of Christ”

Several years ago, I had an MRI done on my head, and I wondered, “If I had a spiritual MRI, what would it reveal?”

In “Young Frankenstein,” Igor enters the brain deposit to find a great scientist’s brain, but he drops it. He then picks up another brain, but when the brain is placed inside the monster, it isn’t what the doctor expected.

It’s not a new brain we need, but a new mind. This was Paul’s point when writing to the church in Philippi. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Paul is saying we should make the way we think like Jesus’s thinking.

Having the mind of Christ means thinking and acting like Jesus. It involves making decisions in our lives that reflect Christ’s character.

What is the mind of Christ?

Paul explains how Jesus made Himself of no reputation, and instead of lording it over others, became a bondservant, humbling Himself by becoming obedient, even to the point of dying for our sins (Philippians 2:7-8).

And so, having the mind of Christ means adopting a servant’s attitude, the same attitude Jesus had.

This attitude was clearly shown at Passover when Jesus picked up a towel and basin of water to wash the disciples’ feet. It was a role not just of a servant, but the lowest position a servant could hold (John 13:1-17).

Having the mind of Christ means observing the world around us and doing what Jesus would do. It involves bringing our will and desires into submission to Jesus, just as He aligned His will with the Father when He prayed, “Not as I will, but as You (Father) will.” (Matthew 26:39)

How do we accomplish this? We do so through extended time in God’s word and prayer. It’s by seeking God’s will and way to be done in our lives.